Re-Applying Thermal Paste to GPU and CPU

Hi All,

(Computer Specs in Signature)

I've had this system over 2 years now, and feel its time to re-apply thermal paste as my temps seem to be rising (especially on the GPU)

First things first; I was going to buy some IC Diamond 7 Thermal Compound is that still the way to go?


Then,
Can anyone list directions or link me to a youtube/other pst etc. etc. that will sort of guide me through this process? AGAIN especially for the GPU!!

Thanks,

 

It is a good thermal paste. I will also recommend the Tuniq TX-2 or TX-4. They are cheaper and perform just as well.

 

Anyone have a guide/link/video on how to do this?

Reapply paste to GPU and CPU on my laptop (specs/name) below.

Thanks,

 

Clean the cpu and gpu die and heatsink with isopropyl alcohol, if you are using thermal paste with high density it's recommended to spread a thin layer over the cpu and gpu die with a piece of plastic.
If it's a paste with softer texture put a rice size blob on the die and push the heatsink over it to get the air pockets out and tighten the screws in a crosspattern.

IC diamod might scratch the surface which will lead to imperfections and the heat dispatch will worsen.

I think IC diamond isn't a good thermal paste so I would go with noctua, phobya or arctic cooling instead.

 

Here is a guide with compound comparisons/benchmarks, as well as some info on application. You can find YouTube videos that will outline step by step how to do it as well (which might be more helpful).

 

IC Diamond is what you can pay extra for? When I first got the laptop I paid extra for them to put IC Diamond on, why would they offer it, if its no good

 

It's just my personal opinion, I don't think it's nearly as good as advertised.

 

You can also get IC Diamond recommended application instructions here Application

 

I did a comparison and guide for 3 different TIMs on a GPU that might be helpful as well. The link is in my signature.

 

I have not heard about IC Diamond scratching the surface, but it could be because most people didn't notice it or probably scratched the surface when removing the old thermal paste.

I'm sure IC diamond is a very good thermal paste, but I think people are paying the premium probably because of the marketing. Like I said before, you can get same performance with lower price if you go with different brand. IMHO, IC diamond is not a good thermal paste base on price/performance ratio.

Artic silver 5 is no doubt an awesome thermal paste. However, you have to be really careful when you apply it. Artic silver is conductive. If you apply too much and overflow, it will short out the circuits. Plus, you need about 100 hours of curing time before you get maximum results.

You can search youtube for instructions on how to apply thermal paste. It's a fairly easy process. It's only difficult if you use those thermal paste that is super thick.

 

IC Diamond has been known to cause mild/minimal abrasion due to the nano diamonds.

Very much agree.

 

Arctic silver 5 is NOT conductive.. There are silver based thermal pastes out there that are conductive but AS5 is not.
But it's not recommended to smear it all over the place.

I agree with AS5 being a good thermal paste if not the best, when applying it use the spread method for best performance.